Lions skipper Elton Jantjies ruled out of Cheetahs clash

The Lions will be without influential playmaker and skipper Elton Jantjies for their Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Cheetahs in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The flyhalf was ruled out of the match with a calf injury he picked up in training during the week.

As a result of Jantjies’ injury, Dan Kriel (centre) – twin brother of Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel – will lead the Lions at Ellis Park, with Gianni Lombard taking over at flyhalf.

The match kicks off at 4.30 pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

In the only other change to the backline this weekend, Wandisile Simelane comes in to rekindle his partnership with Kriel.

Among the forwards, MJ Pelser received the nod at flank in the only change to the pack.

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has called up a bunch of new players to the bench though – PJ Botha, Jannie du Plessis, Nathan McBeth, Marnus Schoeman, Stean Pienaar and Tiaan Swanepoel.

The Lions have also been unable to draw on their full squad, as it was revealed on Thursday that nine players have been withdrawn due to Covid-19 concerns with two presenting symptoms.

Lions team: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel (captain), 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20 Marnus Schoeman, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Stean Pienaar, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo